Jekyll Island Beaches

The Beaches of Jekyll Island are Unlike Any Other, Unspoiled by Development and Preserved in Their Natural Splendor.

Jekyll Island has 3 main beach areas, Driftwood Beach, Glory Beach and Great Dunes. Jekyll experiences two high tides and two low tides each day. The tides reach 6 to 9 feet, a situation unique as compared to normal water patterns along the East Coast. Every 6 hours 12.5 minutes, Jekyll experiences a change in tides. The tides pervade deeply inland due to high tides and the gradual slope of Georgia's Coastal Plain, which results in the most expansive marshes of the entire Atlantic Coast.

It is interesting to note that Jekyll Island beaches are "tide formed." The continental shelf extends far out from Jekyll Island, causing oceanic waves to lose their energy long before they reach the shoreline. We therefore experience very small waves and shallow waters as compared to beaches formed as a result of wave patterns.

Explore the Beaches of Jekyll Island

After a devastating hurricane in 1964, President Johnson found it necessary to import boulders from throughout the state of Georgia to Jekyll Island to create a breakwater. Various factors have contributed to the erosion of our beaches on Jekyll Island including storms, tides and human impact. The boulders were placed along the northern shoreline in an effort to prevent further beach erosion. During periods of high tides, the ocean reaches the rocks but during low tide there is 30 feet of beach for your personal enjoyment.

There is an ample amount of sand beach between the rock barrier and the natural dunes which provide an expansive space for play and exploration in an undisturbed natural environment.

Driftwood Beach

Located on the North end of Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach is a natural scenic wonderland with beautiful driftwood and trees washed ashore, making this a popular location for picturesque weddings and photographs. Don't leave your camera at home because you'll want to capture this hauntingly beautiful natural area that is unlike anyplace else on earth. The soft white sand casts a stark contrast to the preserved trees that collect on the north shore of Jekyll Island.

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Glory Beach

Access to Glory Beach is by way of a lengthy boardwalk which crosses natural sand dunes and freshwater pools, offering visitors an undisturbed view of Cumberland Island. No pets are allowed. Steady ocean breezes provide great winds for flying a kite or staying cool while riding a bike on the flat sandy beaches. Most times you won't find many crowds and you'll have plenty of space to relax and unwind as you listen to the soothing sounds of nature.

Great Dunes

Offering easy beach access, Great Dunes Beach is conveniently located across from playgrounds, a mini-golf course and bicycle and Segway rentals, making this a perfect spot to setup your family's beachhead. Popular with families, Great Dunes Beach is a gathering spot for visitors to Jekyll during the warm weather months. You'll find plenty of activities here and nearby attractions offer something for everyone when you're ready for a break from the sun and surf.

Jekyll Island Tides Chart

Pet Policies on Jekyll Island Beaches

Great Dunes Beach Jekyll Island, GAUnless otherwise posted, dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are under the owner's control or on a leash.

Pets must be under immediated control of their owners and on a leash no longer than 16' at all times.

No pets allowed on South Beach - between South Dunes Picnic Area and 2000' Northeast of St. Andres Sound Picnic Area.

Pet owners are to remove and dispose of pet fecal material.

Jekyll Island Sand Dunes

Our sand dunes are home to millions of species of plant and animal life. These communities are protected by the State of Georgia. It is our goal to promote the preservation of these natural habitats. According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, "these sand dunes form a natural buffer and protect upland homes, hotels and other buildings from the tides, winds, waves and storms. Morning glory vines, ghost crabs, sea gulls, Spanish bayonets and sea oats all made their home in and around the sand dunes. Many shorebirds lay eggs directly on the sand in the dune area. Even the threatened loggerhead turtles come ashore during the summer months to lay their eggs in the warm sands of our coast. The dunes are extremely fragile and the plants which hold the sand in place are easily killed by foot traffic.